Why does my vista use a lot of oil?

Hello, thanks for the advice, I drive an automatic Nissan Caravan, model 2001. When driving above speed 60 Kph, it starts to make noise from the propeller shaft to the diff, when I remove the leg from the accelerater, it stops, when accelerate again, the noise comes back, I have changed both gearbox oil and diff oil but in vain. What could be the problem? Please advise me. Kalyango Benny

Mr Kalyango, whirring or whining noise heard from your differential and drive system while decelerating at any or all speeds may be caused by damaged pinion bearings or loose pinion bearing preload in the differential system. Although the temptation is very high to quickly conclude that this noise is caused by bad differential ring and pinion gears it is prudent to rule out the pinion bearings first. This is most likely a result of delay to replace leaking seals hence running it dry. Occasionally, leaking oil seals allow the intrusion of differential oil through the tube to the pinion bearings which distorts the lubrication role of the grease there in. In case the bearings are fine then you can escalate the investigation to the pinion gears. Your mechanic will understand my explanation if you share it with him. The challenge will be where to find genuine replacement parts. However, a first stop at Motorcare, the local Nissan dealer, will do you no harm. Good luck.

Hello Paul, I bought a new 55AH battery for my Mercedes Benz C200 but after three days, it failed to start the car. My mechanic says the car charging system is normal. What could be the problem? Justus B.

Hello Justus, your Mercedes Benz C200 needs a bigger size battery. The recommended battery capacity should be DIN 100AH. The kind of electrical consumers and computers that linger on after you switch off the car require a stronger capacitor than the one you have. Buy the right size battery and you will not fail to start it in the morning.

Hi Paul, my Toyota Vista Ardeo 1999 with a 1.8 litre engine consumes one litre of oil during the 5,000 kilometre service interval. However, it has no evident leaking oil seals and neither does it emit black smoke. But every time I drain oil during servicing, it is one litre short. What should I do? G.M.

Hello, all engines new or old consume a small amount of engine oil that lubricates internal moving engine parts and gets burnt or escapes through the blow by crank case ventilation system (PCV). This is usually about 0.5 litre over a 5,000 kms drain interval.
However, if the oil consumed is a litre or more over the same period then it warrants attention. In your situation, you seem to have ruled out severe oil leakages around the engine caused by damaged oil seals and piston rings and there is no excessive black smoke emitted by the exhaust.
It would be interesting to know what mileage your car has. Normally old engines (above 100,000 kms) will consume slightly more than 0.5L during a 5,000 km drain interval. Consuming one litre of oil over a period of 5,000kms is a bit on the high side. But not as extreme as one litre of oil every one to two weeks. This could mean that there may be some minimal level of pressure or wear on the piston rings and engine seals.
However, because the engine is not emitting black smoke or consuming one litre in a shorter time you may hold back on extreme action such as engine overhaul or replacement. I suggest that you consider changing the type of engine oil you use by introducing a monograde lubricant with better engine sealing properties. Also reduce the drain interval by 1,000kms while you observe if there is a drop in oil consumed. This is highly recommended for older (higher mileage) engines. Use the Shell Helix HX3 with monograde SAE40 and reduce the drain interval too. This oil is designed with special chemical additives which provide extra internal engine sealing suitable for older engines. Shell Helix HX3 also offers reliable protection for older engines by preventing harmful oil sludge and engine deposit buildup. Sludge is a formation of thick lumps in used oil. These lumps put pressure on old piston rings and sealing points. As a result, your engine begins to leak oil in small amounts and burn some of it in the combustion chamber. Use of the Shell Helix HX3 (red can) may improve this situation.

Hello Paul, I am confused between a Spacio new shape and a Toyota Vista. How is the availability of the spare parts and the price of both cars, stability on the ground of the two cars and height off the ground?
Agnes Janet

Hello Agnes, the Toyota Vista has better availability and affordability of parts than the 2003 Toyota Spacio. However, the Spacio has better stability and road holding because it has a lower and more aero dynamic overall profile. Spacio’s ground clearance is 5mm lower than that of the Vista (165mm) yet their width is the same (1695mm). The 2003 Spacio has a newer and better look with a feminine touch, its comfort features and amenities will justify the cost of getting its parts. The Spacio parts situation will improve over time as the numbers grow.

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By Paul Kaganzi
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